Moves to develop accommodation for students of ATU Mayo

A Mayo TD has welcomed the news that work will start on developing student accommodation for those attending Atlantic Technological University in Mayo.

Deputy Alan Dillon said the commencement of Higher Education Authority (HEA) and Department-led work to develop student accommodation across the five Technological Universities, which spread across 12 counties, is a step in the right direction for students who are experiencing difficulties in accessing accommodation across the region.

Last November, Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science Simon Harris announced government approved funding to support the technological sector in the development of student accommodation strategies.

This funding will enable a cohesive and regionally focused approach for the technological sector, to determine current and future capacity and potential supply options at a national and regional level.

The HEA, together with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research and Innovation, are working closely with the Technological Universities, to establish and assess the demand for student accommodation in key regions aligned to the individual campus.

The work will focus on establishing a national and regional data picture on supply and demand projections for student accommodation.

The study will also progress responses from the TU sector to progress accommodation plans.

Deputy Dillon said: “This is a significant milestone in the development of new State supported policy on student accommodation, especially in counties such as Mayo.

"I look forward to seeing the proposals given the clear desire to start building by our universities and acquiring accommodation. This work will be a key enabler in unlocking these projects.”